Antique French Louis XIV Point De Saint-Cyr Needlework Tapestry

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Rare and spectacular Louis XIV era point de Saint-Cyr (c.late 1600s) French wool and silk work embroidery, needlepoint and petit … Read more Rare and spectacular Louis XIV era point de Saint-Cyr (c.late 1600s) French wool and silk work embroidery, needlepoint and petit point and micro-petitpoint stitches in remarkably fine condition. This 74" long and 27" high arched panel would have been the backrest on a large French settee. It survives without damage, holes, tears, losses and remains vibrant and supple for around 30 years now. Someone in France has accomplished any very small restorations necessary, and it's truly superb, an added backing of vintage silk velvet, which wraps the outer border for a beautiful finish. Wall hanging? I've owned this one for decades, always intending to have a headboard made to show it off. Someone suggested it would make 3 incredible large down-filled and opulent pillows, and it would - but I haven't the heart to cut it into sections. I'm disbursing my own collections at this point. I'm not going to 'bump out a wall', buy another home to decorate, or give up all of the decor I currently am 'at home' in. Your gain. Purchased it in Paris many years ago. Top of the line, superb condition. One of my all-time favorite panels! Watch for others from my own "stash" listing as quickly as I can this week and in weeks ahead.

A magnificent c.1730-50s French point de Saint Cyr tapestry - with a super-rare history: This super-fine petit point (even micro-point) embroidery on painted canvas is linked to Madam de Maintenon, later Marchioness of Maintenon, who asked (her secret husband) Louis XIV to put up money for a school to teach the 'noble' girls. The school was in Saint Cyr. This embroidery is from the Marchioness or her students. Incredible history and importance. This one with the rare imagination of a leopard. So charming!

I should give you one more tidbit of the story: "Following the disgrace of the Marquise de Montespan in a poisoning scandal and the death of Queen Maria Theresa of Austria, she married the king in secret in 1683. Madame de Maintenon held a great influence over Louis XIV, who visited her every day in her apartments overlooking the palace's royal courtyard." See less